The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, is calling on the Allan Labor Government to fix a gap in Victoria’s land tax laws that unfairly penalises adult children who provide housing for parents with significant disabilities.
Ms Kealy was recently contacted by a western Victorian woman in her 40s who purchased her parents’ home after her father suffered a major stroke in 2012, leaving him with serious speech and mobility impairments and unable to return to work.
“The woman stepped in to buy the family home to allow her parents to remain in familiar surroundings during hospital stays and rehabilitation,” Ms Kealy said.
“Despite her sacrifice at a time of enormous physical, financial and emotions strain, the State Revenue Office recently denied her request for a land tax exemption, saying she does not qualify as an immediate family member under the law.
“Current law rightly provides a land tax exemption for parents, grandparents, guardians, and siblings who provide housing to family members with a disability. But the SRO has made it clear that adult children who step in to care for parents in the same way are not recognised.”
The Treasurer has confirmed the current legislation does not extend land tax exemptions to adult children who provide housing to parents with disabilities, leaving families exposed to potentially excessive bills.
“Adult children who care for disabled parents are navigating extraordinary challenges. This land tax rule places unnecessary financial strain on families already under pressure,” Ms Kealy said.
“The law should show the same compassion to children stepping up for disabled parents as it does for other family members and support them in providing secure housing rather than penalising them.
“Labor needs to fix this land tax loophole so families who are doing the right thing are not punished for caring for their loved ones.”